Rewriting Himalayan History: Ancient Oceans On The Top Of The World

Presented by Professor Jonathan Aitchison
Head of School of Geosciences, the University of Sydney

The Himalayan mountains are the classic example of what happens when two continents collide. Geology textbooks will tell you that the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau collided 55 million years ago and produced the world’s highest mountain system, including the world’s highest peak - Mount Everest. However, Professor Jonathan Aitchison and his research team have spent the past 16 years working in Tibet and their data indicates India experienced multiple collisions as it travelled north, with the final collision between India and Asia occurring considerably later than originally thought. Find out about this developing story and how Professor Aitchison’s discoveries may rewrite Himalayan history.

As the massive Himalayan mountain chain was thrust skywards it had a profound effect on global climate systems diverting atmospheric circulation patterns and leading to establishment of the Asian monsoonal weather pattern. So understanding the timing for initiation of the collision between India and Asia is of fundamental importance as it affects our understanding of the rates of numerous global processes. Join Professor Aitchison as he reveals his amazing geological discoveries and takes us on a journey to the top of the world.

Date: Wednesday 17 October 2012
Time: 5.45pm - 6.45pm
Venue: Eastern Avenue Auditorium, University of Sydney
Cost: Free